-Alex Sherbon Michelle Swanson -
December 27, 2014
Our Journey Together
Alex and Michelle met at Forest Home Christian Camp in 2008 when they both attended the annual First Pres of Granada Hills college retreat. Michelle had just moved to Southern California to attend Cal State Northridge, and the two quickly became good friends . In October, Alex asked Michelle out to dinner for their first date at a small Italian restaurant. In November, Michelle took a trip to Clear Lake with her familly. While kayaking around the cove, her mother quickly realized how serious Michelle was about "this guy" when Michelle talked about him for hours on end. Since that first date six years ago, Alex and Michelle have been going steady. Some of their favorite things to do together are hiking, backpacking, kayaking, surfing, and the occasional formal night out. They have also enjoyed serving together by being camp counselors, middle school advisors, and involved in the college group at their church. Michelle and Alex have grown very close over the past six years and are looking forward to starting their life together as a married couple.
Our Story
The Proposal:
On May 1, 2014, Alex had planned to take Michelle on a beautiful hike overlooking the beach. The night before, Alex (trying to be casual) asked Michelle if she wanted to "go on a hike, or to the beach, or something tomorrow after your internship". Michelle agreed and so they met in Ventura in the afternnon. Alex was in hiking pants and boots, but Michelle showed up in her swim suit. Michelle had definitely heard "beach or something" and a hike in 90 degree weather did not sound as refreshing as hanging out at the beach. Alex conceded and they headed for the beach. (He was quickly working on plan B). Michelle and Alex walked up on a sand dune overlooking the whole beach and Alex reached in his pocket right as Michelle ran down the dune onto the beach. (On to plan C). As they were walking on the beach hand in hand, they had just passed the last few people around them, and no one else was in sight. Alex reached in his pocket right as Michelle yelled out, "Look Alex! There's a baby seal!" (On to plan D) Sure enough there was a baby seal washed up on the beach. So OF COURSE Michelle talked Alex into "saving it" and getting it back in the water. Fast forward 20 minutes and again Alex and Michelle are walking along the beach. Alex saw a rock jetty and decided that they would head for that and that is where he would propose. As they got closer to the jetty, Alex realized it was covered with fishermen. (On to plan E) At that moment Alex decided he just couldn't wait any longer...dropped to his knee and said "Michelle Swanson, will you be my wife?" Of course Michelle said yes! Later that evening, Alex had planned a reception at his house with Michelle and Alex's families and close friends to celebrate their engagement.
